It shouldn’t surprise anyone that there is yet another sports phenom in the Curry family. Dell and Stephen are notorious 3-point shooters in NBA lore — the former historically, the latter currently. Seth played basketball at Duke University for the legendary Mike Krzyzewski. Sonya was a volleyball star at Virginia Tech. This time, it’s Sydel, the freshman setter who has found a new home with the Elon University volleyball team.
“When I came on my visit to Elon, I immediately fell in love with it,” Curry said. “I loved the campus, the atmosphere and the team. It just seemed like a perfect fit for me.”
Curry is from Charlotte, where she was a three-year captain and two-time North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) All-State selection at Charlotte Christian High School. She made an immediate impact, helping the team to three state quarterfinal appearances as well as a school record for wins in 2012.
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“As a volleyball player, I would say I add a sense of calmness to the court but also a sense of competitiveness because I love to win,” Curry said. “I work really hard to be the best I can be and to also allow my teammates to excel, as well. Being a setter, that’s a huge part of what I do and that’s what I love to do.”
Curry is attached to volleyball thanks to her natural ability, passion for the game and parental influence, just like brothers Seth and Stephen are to basketball.
“I started playing volleyball about eight years ago and just fell in love with it,” Curry said. “I thought that it would be cool to continue with a sport that my mom played in college at Virginia Tech since my brothers were going the basketball route.”
Despite going their separate directions, Curry said she keeps up with her brothers through texting, calling or Skyping. But, growing up with them remains her fondest memory.
“Growing up in my family was really fun,” Curry said. “Being the only girl, people often think that I would be left out, but I never felt that way. I loved it. I got to be one of the boys with my brothers and be one of the girls when I was with my mom or other friends. There was never any real competition with me between my brothers. Of course it was fun and healthy competition between the two of them, though.”
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Seth and Stephen’s friendly rivalry helped them make an impact in college at Liberty/Duke and Davidson, respectively. Dell and Sonya made sure they went to as many of their sons’ games as possible, but as any parent with a house of athletes will attest, traveling is half the battle.
“When both of my brothers were in college, there would be times when my parents would have to split up and watch them,” Curry said. “Volleyball isn’t in the same season as basketball, so they were always at my games. It’s definitely safe to say that my parents are professional travelers and road warriors. They are so incredibly supportive of us and have invested so much time and money in what we love to do. It’s a great feeling when we are able to succeed and a lot of the thanks go to them.”
Just like she did in high school, Curry is looking to help the Phoenix win right away. If sibling success is any indication, she will be just fine. Seth broke the Big South Conference single-season scoring record for a freshman. Stephen is a former Southern Conference Freshman of the Year. Curry isn’t living off of her family’s legacy — she is strengthening it.